Dermott Mccaffrey

Dean Holden (born September 15, 1979 in Salford, Greater Manchester) is an England born Northern Ireland professional Association football player.

Career

Holden started his career with Bolton Wanderers F.C. and then moved on to Oldham Athletic A.F.C. after a successful loan period. After over 100 first-team appearances for them he joined Peterborough United F.C. in 2005. He was made captain but, with his contract close to expiry, he was transferred to Falkirk F.C. on January 1, 2007 for an undisclosed fee.

Holden is nominally a right back but can also play as a centre back or left back. He occasionally played in central midfield while with Peterborough, largely due to the absence of Paul Carden.

Despite his England birth and having played for the England Youth team, Holden qualifies to represent Northern Ireland national football team through his grandparents (from Omagh) and was called up to their full squad for the first time in June 2007.

On January 27 2008, Holden received a broken leg, after a horrid tackle by Celtic F.C.'s Stephen McManus, during Falkirk's 1–0 home defeat to the reigning SPL Champions.

Personal life

In June 2006, Holden married television presenter Danielle Nicholls. They are now expecting their first child together.